The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration between environmental and health experts on better understanding and addressing the impact of air pollution on the health and wellbeing of South Africans.
In a media release, the SAMRC and the DFFE note that the partnership marks an important step towards ensuring environmental policies are informed by scientific evidence on the health effects of air pollution.
The parties will collaborate on research, policy development, health impact assessments, data sharing, air quality monitoring and public awareness initiatives.
Air pollution remains one of the leading environmental risks to health globally and is associated with a range of serious health conditions, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer and premature death.
In South Africa, communities living near industrial areas, power generation facilities, transport corridors and informal settlements are often disproportionately affected.
